Rear shock tram gauge

ABSTRACT

A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/597,817, filed May 17, 2017, titled “LASERMEASURING SYSTEM FOR MOTORCYCLE FRAME REPAIR,” (now U.S. Pat. No.10,022,777), which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/727,529, filed Jun. 1, 2015, and titled “LASERMEASURING SYSTEM FOR MOTORCYCLE FRAME REPAIR,” (now U.S. Pat. No.9,733,065), which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/839,542, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and titled“SELF-CENTERING LASER MEASURING SYSTEM FOR MOTORCYCLE FRAME REPAIR,”(now U.S. Pat. No. 9,073,109), which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/639,901,filed Apr. 28, 2012 and titled, “MOTORCYCLE FRAME RACK,” which are allhereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of motorcycles. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to motorcycle repair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Until the mid 1970's, if a car was in an accident and sustained framedamage, the car was deemed a “total” economical loss by the insurancecompanies. They totaled the cars because the technology, equipment andinformation and training were not yet available to repair shops. Thathas all changed. By the mid 1980's most reputable body shops had a framerack.

Representatives from various insurance companies are becoming frustratedwith totaling motorcycles without knowing for sure how badly the framesare bent, especially when they can see there is minimal frame damage.

There are only five motorcycle frame shops in all of the United States,one in Arizona and four in California.

The first two are in Sacramento and Anaheim. These two shops use what isknown as a peg board system. This system requires the motorcycle to bestripped down. This procedure requires several hours of labor, and theycannot provide documentation, before and after specifications or showthe customer a print out that the frame is straight. This is a problemfor the insurance companies. They want documentation for their recordsfor any repairs that were performed. Another problem is these two shopsrequire approximately eight weeks before a user gets the motorcycleback.

The other shops are located in San Bruno and Englewood, Calif. and onein Arizona. The equipment they use is called a Motojig. This is a“bench” system made in Italy which is an old and antiquated automobileframe rack in which the motorcycle has to be lifted with a hoist to beput on the “bench.” It is a cumbersome, time consuming piece ofequipment.

Right now, if a user's motorcycle gets hit while parked or gets involvedin a motorcycle accident in California, the bike gets towed to thedealership for repairs. The dealership strips the bike down and pays tohave it transported to and from one of the frame shops at a cost to thecustomer and/or the insurance company.

There are more men and women riding motorcycles than ever before. Someride to commute and/or ride for economic reasons, some ride for thesport and the thrill of it, while others ride for the lifestyle. Thefact of the matter is there has never been this many people ridingmotorcycles in the streets.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as ofDec. 31, 2010, there are over 900,000 registered motorcycles inCalifornia alone. There are over 600,000 people a year in the UnitedStates that register for a Motorcycle safety course through theMotorcycle Safety Foundation. This is just one of the many accreditedMotorcycle safety Schools in the United States. With the price ofgasoline going up every other week there are more and more people ridingmotorcycles and not just nationwide but worldwide.

Additionally, there are thousands of people who race motorcycles allover the world. There are super sport road racers, café racers, themile, drag racing, TT, flat track, short track, enduro, and all kinds ofmotor cross, super cross and dirt track races being held all over theworld.

With all of these races, there are teams of mechanics and technicianswith truck loads of tools and equipment for mechanical repairs andadjustments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the growing popularity of motorcycles and similar modes oftransportation, the need for a device and method of repairing themotorcycle's frame is great. A motorcycle frame rack including universalmounting brackets to perform any motorcycle frame repair enables atechnician to straighten a motorcycle frame or make a neck rakeadjustment much faster and much more cost effectively than replacing theframe.

In one aspect, a laser measuring system for measuring a motorcycle framecomprises a central laser, a plurality of outer lasers, a body to whichthe central laser and the plurality of outer lasers are attached, thebody configured for coupling to a motorcycle and a mount configured forcoupling to the motorcycle, wherein the mount is further configured foruse with the central laser or the plurality of outer lasers to measurethe motorcycle frame. The mount includes a magnetic universal lower treemount. The magnetic universal lower tree mount includes a plurality ofshort tubes and a plurality of long tubes. The plurality of short tubesare configured to diagnose frame damage, and the plurality of long tubesare configured to validate the magnetic universal lower tree mount iscentered on the motorcycle frame. The magnetic universal lower treemount attaches to a universal magnetic neck bracket to attach to themotorcycle frame. The mount includes a plurality of shock target mountswhich are configured to be positioned on left and right rear shocks ofthe motorcycle. The body comprises a plurality of side components and acentral component, wherein the plurality of side components moveequidistantly towards or away from the central component.

In another aspect, a method of utilizing a laser measuring systemcomprises mounting a mount to a motorcycle, aligning a universalmounting laser device with the mount and using one or more lasers of theuniversal mounting laser device and the mount to analyze the motorcycleframe. The mount includes a magnetic universal lower tree mount. Themagnetic universal lower tree mount includes a plurality of short tubesand a plurality of long tubes. The plurality of short tubes areconfigured to diagnose frame damage, and the plurality of long tubes areconfigured to validate the magnetic universal lower tree mount iscentered on the motorcycle frame. The magnetic universal lower treemount attaches to a universal magnetic neck bracket to attach to themotorcycle frame. The mount includes a plurality of shock target mountswhich are configured to be positioned on left and right rear shocks ofthe motorcycle. Using the one or more lasers of the universal mountinglaser device to analyze the motorcycle frame includes measuring defectsin the motorcycle frame. Using the one or more lasers of the universalmounting laser device to analyze the motorcycle frame includes aimingthe lasers at targets of the motorcycle frame. The method furthercomprises adjusting the motorcycle frame with a rack. The method furthercomprises using the one or more lasers of the universal mounting laserdevice to re-analyze the motorcycle frame to ensure any damage has beencorrected.

In another aspect, a laser measuring system for analyzing a motorcyclecomprises a central laser, a plurality of outer lasers, a body to whichthe central laser and the plurality of outer lasers are attached, thebody configured for coupling to a motorcycle and a target tip configuredfor coupling to the motorcycle, wherein the target tip is furtherconfigured for use with the central laser or the plurality of outerlasers to analyze components of the motorcycle. The target tip iscoupled to the motorcycle using hot glue. The target tip receives atarget, wherein the target comprises a tube. The target tip isconfigured to be positioned anywhere on the motorcycle.

In another aspect, method of utilizing a laser measuring systemcomprises attaching a target tip to a motorcycle, aligning a universalmounting laser device with the target tip and using one or more lasersof the universal mounting laser device and the target tip to analyze oneor more components of a motorcycle. Attaching the target tip to themotorcycle is by using hot glue. The method further comprises coupling atarget with the target tip before or after the target tip is attached tothe motorcycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a rack according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a rack including a positioning systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a deck according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section view of a deck and tower according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a tower with a rolling bracketaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the rack according to someembodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the rack according to someembodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the rack according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a clamp according to someembodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a clamp according to someembodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a mount according to someembodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of a dolly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of a dolly according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a back view of a dolly according to someembodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using the rack accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a neck puller according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a motorcycle frame coupled toa neck puller according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a folding rack according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a self-centering lasermeasuring system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a self-centering lasermeasuring system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using the self-centeringlaser measuring system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of a self-centering laser measuringsystem according to some embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of a self-centering lasermeasuring system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an alignment system accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 25 illustrates a front view of components of a laser measuringsystem according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26 illustrates a front view of a laser measuring system accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a laser measuringsystem according to some embodiments.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the lower tree mount assemblyaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 29 illustrates a rear view of the lower tree mount assemblyaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a universal magnet neckbracket according to some embodiments.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a target mount assemblyaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of a validation bar according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of a validation bar bracketassembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of a soft tail side mountassembly according to some embodiments.

FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of a target tip according to someembodiments.

FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of a shock target mount accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of a neck puller according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 38 illustrates a perspective view of a rear shock tram gaugeaccording to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A motorcycle frame rack (also referred to as the “rack”) generallyincludes one or more towers, a tool board with a universal mountingsystem and a ramp. In some embodiments, the rack has two towers with tentons of pulling capability per tower. The pulling capability of thetowers is able to be less or greater depending on the need. Theuniversal mounting system mounts and holds steady any make or modelmotorcycle for frame repair. The ramp is able to be any type of ramp.Examples of ramps include an aluminum ramp or a carbon fiber ramp whichare sturdy yet light enough to be picked up and stored when not in use.A dolly and wench system is able to be included to pull a severelydamaged motorcycle onto the rack. Any pump is able to operate the twoten ton towers, for example, an electric or hydraulic pump. The rack isable to include a measuring system including a computing device and aprinter. The measuring system is able to provide an operator with beforeand after frame specifications from any motorcycle in the world. Theoperator is able to measure the motorcycle frame before making thedecision to remove a wrecked front end and installing the frame pullingequipment and tooling.

Once the motorcycle is on the frame rack, there are a variety of pullclamps, brackets and/or straps that are able to be used to pull theframe back to factory specifications.

In some embodiments, the rack includes a deck, stand, drop panel, twotowers, a two-piece ramp, a dolly, a winch along with a clamp systemwith numerous tools for mounting motorcycles. There is also a lasermeasuring system with a rolling stand that will house a computingdevice, monitor, printer and additional supplies.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a rack according to some embodiments.The rack 100 includes a stand 102 which supports a deck 104 forreceiving a motorcycle. The deck 104 includes a universal mountingsystem 106 for holding the motorcycle in place while the frame of themotorcycle is repaired. The universal mounting system 106 includes auniversal clamp 120 and a universal mount 122. One or more towers 108are positioned on or near the deck 102, and the towers 108 includechains 110 or another pulling mechanism such as a cable. The towers 108are able to be positioned on a track 112 or path/guide to enable thetowers 108 to be moved into a specific position to perform theadjustment of the motorcycle frame. The track 112 permits the towers toslide around the deck 104 while remaining coupled to the deck 104. Thetowers 108 are able to be locked into place with a locking mechanism.The towers 108 include a mechanism to provide one or more tons ofpulling capability. The towers 108 are able to be operated automatically(e.g. by a computing device and/or additional electronics) or manually(e.g. using hydraulics). A ramp 114 is used to allow a motorcycle to bedriven or pushed up onto the deck 104. The ramp 114 is able to couple tothe deck 104.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a rack including a positioning systemaccording to some embodiments. The rack 100′ is similar to the rack 100of FIG. 1 in that the rack 100′ includes a stand 102, a deck 104, auniversal mounting system 106, one or more towers 108 with chains 110, atower track 112 or path/guide and a ramp 114. The rack 100′ alsoincludes a measurement system. The measurement system includes a lasermeasuring and pointing system, a computing device 204 and a printer 206.In some embodiments, the measurement system is implemented without acomputing device 204 and printer 206. The laser measuring and pointingsystem includes a laser transmitter 200 and a laser receiver 202, wherethe laser transmitter 200 transmits a laser beam and the laser receiver202 receives the laser beam. The measurement system is able to includeone or more laser measuring and pointing systems. In some embodiments,the laser transmitter 200 and the laser receiver 202 are positionedtogether on a single rod. In some embodiments, the laser measuring andpointing system is coupled to or part of the universal mounting system106. In some embodiments, the laser measuring and pointing system iscoupled to or part of the one or more towers 108. In some embodiments,the laser measuring and pointing system is coupled to or part of thedeck 104. The laser measuring and pointing system is able to be movable.In some embodiments, the laser measuring and pointing system is a standalone device separate from the deck 100. The computing device 204 andthe printer 206 are able to include any software or hardware toimplement any desired functions such as controlling the towers,analyzing the laser measuring and pointing system data, capturing data,acquiring images for reporting purposes, damage/repaircalculations/analysis and any other calculations, functions or datacapture/analysis.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a deck according to someembodiments. The deck 104 includes a platform 300, several supportstructures 102 (FIG. 1) and the track 112. As described, the track 112enables the towers 108 (FIG. 1) to move about the platform 300. Thetrack 112 includes an inner lip 310 and an outer lip 312. Additionallyeach of the lips include a top surface 314 and a bottom surface 316.There is also an inner lip edge 318 and an outer lip edge 320. Thesupport structures 102 (FIG. 1) are configured in a way to support theweight of the motorcycle as well as enable the repair of the motorcycleframe.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section view of a deck and tower according tosome embodiments. The tower 108 is coupled to the deck 104 with arolling bracket 400 that includes one or more rollers 402 and isadjustable and lockable using a lever 404. The rollers 402 permit therolling bracket 400 to be secured to the deck 104 while also having theability to roll to various locations on the track 112. The lever 404 isable to be used to lock the tower 108 in place. Although FIG. 4 shows aspecific implementation of how the tower 108 is coupled to the deck 104,any other configurations are able to be used to couple the tower 108 tothe deck 104.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a tower with a rolling bracketaccording to some embodiments. As described in FIG. 4, the tower 108includes the rolling bracket 400 with one or more rollers 402. Theexemplary rolling bracket 400 shows rollers 402 configured to bepositioned above a top surface 314 (FIG. 3) of a lip of the track 112(FIG. 1) and below a bottom surface 316 (FIG. 3) of the lip of the track112 (FIG. 1). Further, the rollers 402 are configured to be positionedon each of the inner lip 310 (FIG. 3) and outer lip 312 (FIG. 3) of thetrack 112 (FIG. 1). Additional rollers are configured to be positionedagainst the inner lip edge 318 (FIG. 3) and the outer lip edge 320 (FIG.3). The rollers 402 are able to be any type of rolling mechanism such aswheels or ball bearings.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the rack according to someembodiments. As shown, the rack 100 includes the deck 104, the towers108 and the support structure 102. FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of therack according to some embodiments. As shown, the rack 100 includes thedeck 104, the towers 108 and the support structure 102. FIG. 8illustrates a top view of the rack according to some embodiments. Asshown, the rack 100 includes the deck 104 and the towers 108.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a clamp according to someembodiments. The clamp 120 includes an aperture 900 for receiving amount 122 (FIG. 1) and a bracket 902 for insertion into the deck 104(FIG. 1). FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a clampaccording to some embodiments. As described in FIG. 9, the clamp 120includes an aperture 900 for receiving a mount 122 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a mount according to someembodiments. The mount 122 is configured for insertion into the clamp120 (FIG. 1) and for securing the motorcycle in place.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a dolly according to some embodiments. The dolly1200 includes a base 1202, a top frame 1204, a brace 1206 and a set ofwheels 1208. The dolly 1200 is configured to be able to be used totransport a motorcycle onto the rack 100 (FIG. 1).

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using the rack accordingto some embodiments. In the step 1500, a motorcycle is positioned on therack. Positioning is able to be by driving or pushing the motorcycleonto the rack utilizing a ramp, or using a dolly to push the motorcycleon the rack, or any other means. In the step 1502, the motorcycle issecured in the universal mounting system. The universal mounting systemis able to be implemented in any manner to receive any type ofmotorcycle and secure the motorcycle in place to enable frame adjustmentto be performed. In the step 1504, the frame of the motorcycle isanalyzed with the measuring system. The analysis of the frame is able tobe performed using any method including a laser measuring system whichcompares original specifications of the frame with measuredspecifications. In another implementation, the frame is analyzed using amanual tool such as a straight edge. In the step 1506, chains arecoupled to the frame. The chains are coupled in an appropriateconfiguration based on the damage of the frame. For example, if a frameis bent such that the frame needs to be straightened slightly, thechains are positioned at either end of the frame to enable pulling ofthe frame which will straighten the frame. In another example, if a leftarm of a frame is bent, the chains are positioned on the same arm topull the arm appropriately. In the step 1508, the frame is adjustedusing the chains. Adjusting is able to be by automatically or manuallymoving the towers which are coupled to the chains which then pull theframe accordingly, and/or moving the chains while keeping the towersstationary to pull the frame accordingly. In some embodiments, fewer ormore steps are implemented. For example, in some embodiments, one ormore parts are removed from the motorcycle before coupling the chains tothe frame. In some embodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a neck puller according tosome embodiments. The neck puller 1600 includes a bar 1602 for insertioninto a motorcycle neck as well as one or more pulling points 1604 forcoupling chains 110 (FIG. 1) to or any other mechanism for repairing theneck (e.g. by pulling the neck in one or more directions). The bar 1602provides leverage to facilitate the pulling operation.

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of a motorcycle frame coupled toa neck puller according to some embodiments. The neck puller 1600includes a bar 1602 for insertion into a motorcycle neck as well as oneor more pulling points 1604 for coupling chains 110 (FIG. 1) to or anyother mechanism for repairing the neck of the motorcycle frame 1700(e.g. by pulling the neck in one or more directions). The bar 1602provides leverage to facilitate the pulling operation.

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of a folding rack according tosome embodiments. The folding rack 1800 includes a deck 104 and any ofthe other components shown herein (e.g., shown in FIG. 1). The foldingrack 1800 also includes folding legs 1802 which couple to the deck 104.The folding legs 1802 enable the deck 104 to be raised and lowered to adesired height such as a compact position with the deck 104 loweredcompletely and an extended position with the deck 104 raised at amaximum. In some embodiments, the legs 1802 are able to fit within acavity in the deck 104.

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a self-centering lasermeasuring system according to some embodiments. The measuring systemincludes a universal mounting laser device 1900 which includes a centralcomponent 1902, a left component 1904 and a right component 1906. Thecentral component 1902 has a first bar 1908 and a second bar 1910passing through. The first bar 1908 passes through the left component1904, and the second bar 1910 pass through the right component 1906. Theend of the first bar 1908 ends at the right component 1906, and the endof the second bar 1910 ends at the left component 1904. The first bar1908 and the second bar 1910 are configured to enable the left component1904 and the right component 1906 to move toward and away from thecentral component 1902 equally at the same time, thus keeping the centalcomponent 1902 an equal distance from the left component 1904 and theright component 1906 at all times. Therefore, the universal mountinglaser device 1900 is self centering. In some embodiments, a mechanism ormotor is contained within the central component 1902 for ensuring theleft component 1904 and the right component 1906 move toward and awayfrom the central component 1902 equally at the same time. The leftcomponent 1904 includes a first mounting hole 1912, and the rightcomponent 1906 includes a second mounting hole 1914. The mounting holes1912, 1914 are configured to receive mounting rods 1954, 1956,respectively. The central component 1902 includes a center laser 1916,the left component 1904 includes a left laser 1918 and the rightcomponent 1906 includes a right laser 1920. The center laser 1916 isable to rotate and point to the center of the motorcycle width-wise. Theleft laser 1918 and the right laser 1920 are able to rotate and point totargets of the motorcycle frame. The lasers enable a user to view ormeasure any defects or problems with the chassis/frame (e.g., a bentframe) of the motorcycle which are then able to be corrected using therack system described herein. A power source 1926 is included to powerthe lasers 1916, 1918, 1924. In some embodiments, the power source 1926includes a cord and plug for receiving power through a power outlet, abattery (e.g., a 1A 18650 lithium ion battery with a charger), a solarcell, and/or any other power source/receiving device.

A mounting bracket 1950 is motorcycle-specific, designed/sized to fit ona specific motorcycle. For example, the mounting bracket 1950 is widerfor a wider motorcycle and narrower for a narrower motorcycle. Themounting bracket includes a base 1952, a first mounting rod 1954, asecond mounting rod 1956, spacers 1958 and a central point 1960. Thespacers 1958 are used to mount the mounting bracket onto symmetricalmounting points on the motorcycle under the seat. The central point 1960is able to be used to center the universal mounting laser device 1900using the center laser 1916. As described above, the first mounting rod1954 and the second mounting rod 1956 are used to couple the universalmounting laser device 1900 to the mounting bracket 1950 by insertioninto the mounting holes 1912, 1914. The universal mounting laser device1900 is able to expand or contract so that the mounting holes 1912 and1914 are able to be placed on the motorcycle-specific mounting rods 1954and 1956.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a self-centering lasermeasuring system according to some embodiments. The universal mountinglaser device 1900 and the mounting bracket 1950 are shown coupledtogether.

FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart of a method of utilizing theself-centering laser measuring system according to some embodiments. Inthe step 2100, a mounting bracket is mounted on a motorcycle (e.g.,mounted to mounting points under a seat of the motorcycle). In the step2102, the universal mounting laser device is lined up with the centerpoint of the mounting bracket. In the step 2104, the universal mountinglaser device is coupled to the mounting bracket by insertion of themounting rods of the mounting bracket into mounting holes of theuniversal mounting laser device. The universal mounting laser device isexpanded or contracted to a size so that the holes align with themounting rods. The expansion and contraction are able to be performed bymanually pulling the left and right components of the universal mountinglaser device apart or pushing them together. In some embodiments, amotor automatically expands or contracts universal mounting laserdevice. In the step 2106, one or more lasers of the universal mountinglaser device are used to analyze the motorcycle frame/chassis. Thelasers are rotatable (e.g., the center laser rotates so that the laserpoints from the neck of the bike to the rear of the bike to detect anyoffsets from the center such as due to a bent frame, and the left andright lasers rotate to targets to detect any damage in theframe/chassis). In some embodiments, after the damage to the motorcycleframe/chassis is determined, the frame/chassis is repaired using therack as described herein. The universal mounting laser device is able tobe used before, during and/or after the repair process to ensure theframe/chassis is repaired properly (e.g., repaired to the originalspecifications). In some embodiments, fewer or more steps areimplemented. In some embodiments, the order of the steps is modified.

FIG. 22 illustrates a front view of a self-centering laser measuringsystem according to some embodiments. As described herein, theself-centering laser measuring system includes multiple lasers formeasuring and aligning the motorcycle frame. The laser measuring systemalso includes a mounting bracket which is configured to mount to amotorcycle. The mounting device is configured to couple with aself-centering laser device. FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of aself-centering laser measuring system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an alignment system accordingto some embodiments. The alignment system includes a pair of front endbars which are adjustable and are configured for insertion into a frontaxle from the left and right side. The front end bars are configuredperpendicular to vertical rods which are positioned on a track withinthe front of a base structure. The alignment system also includes a pairof fixed bars which fit into the swing arm pivot shaft and two rearadjustable arms which fit on/in the rear axle of a motorcycle. The fixedbars are also on the left and right side, and are coupled to the basestructure. A pair of rear end bars are included with the alignmentsystem. The rear end bars are adjustable and are configured forinsertion into a rear axle from the left and right side. The rear endbars are configured perpendicular to vertical rods which are positionedon a track within the rear of the base structure. The alignment systemis able to measure the height and length from front to rear on the leftand right side on the motorcycle at axles and pivot points to ensureproper alignment. There are measurement scales on each adjustable barand fixed bar to achieve the same dimensions in length and height on theleft and right side of a motorcycle. The alignment system is able to beused on the ground as a stand-alone device. The alignment system is ableto be used with the rack described herein. The alignment system is ableto be used with any motorcycle service lift.

FIG. 25 illustrates a front view of components of a laser measuringsystem according to some embodiments. The laser measuring system 2500 issimilar to the laser measuring system of FIGS. 22 and 23. The lasermeasuring system 2500 includes a center laser 2502, a first outer laser2504 and a second outer laser 2506. The laser measuring system 2500 alsoincludes a lower laser bar 2508, a first vertical laser bar mounting rod2510, a second vertical laser bar mounting rod 2512 and a laser mountingbar 2514.

Also included with the laser measuring system 2500 are additionalcomponents such as a box 2550 for mounting brackets, targets andhardware, a battery charger 2552 for a cordless implementation, a tapemeasure 2554, mounting knobs 2556, and center triple tree targets,hardware and container 2558.

In some embodiments, there are specialized measuring mounts to measurethe neck, shock mounts, swing arm, and frame mounts of the frame todetermine if the frame is bent such as a validation bar 2570 forsofttails and swingarm shocks, upper shock mount validation brackets2572, one or more swing arm target mounts 2574, validation bar bracketassembly 2576 for the validation bar 2570, softtail side mountvalidation brackets 2578 and a lower tree mount assembly 2580 (alsoreferred to as a universal neck target mounting system).

FIG. 26 illustrates a front view of a laser measuring system accordingto some embodiments. The laser measuring system 2500 includes a centerlaser 2502, a first outer laser 2504 and a second outer laser 2506. Insome embodiments, fewer or additional lasers are implemented. The lasermeasuring system 2500 also includes a lower laser bar 2508 which mountsto the center of any motorcycle with various mounting brackets designedto mount to a specific motorcycle. A first vertical laser bar mountingrod 2510 and a second vertical laser bar mounting rod 2512 are utilizedto mount the laser mounting bar 2514. For example, the laser mountingbar 2514 couples to the lower laser bar 2508 with the first verticallaser bar mounting rod 2510 and the second vertical laser bar mountingrod 2512. The center laser 2502 is positioned in the horizontal centerof the laser mounting bar 2514. On the sides of the laser mounting bar2514 are the first outer laser 2504 and the second outer laser 2506. Insome embodiments, the laser mounting bar 2514 includes a handle whichrotates the outer lasers 2504, 2506 from the front to the rear of themotorcycle, and a second bar which includes the center laser 2502 andcouples to the lower laser bar 2508 with the first vertical laser barmounting rod 2510 and the second vertical laser bar mounting rod 2512.For example, when a user pushes the handle forward the outer lasers2504, 2506 move backward. In some embodiments, the handle rotates theouter lasers 2504, 2506 from the rear to the front of the motorcycle. Insome embodiments, the center laser 2502 rotates from the front to therear of the motorcycle independent of the outer lasers 2504, 2506 usingknobs on the left and/or right side of the center laser housing (orother implementations to rotate the center laser 2502). In someembodiments, the center laser 2502 moves based on the movement of thehandle or independently of the handle (e.g., the laser is rotatable bypushing the laser). In some embodiments, any of the lasers are movableusing motorized capabilities, for example, a motor is contained withinthe laser mounting bar 2514 with the appropriate hardware (e.g., gears,cables, joints, hinges) to rotate the lasers. The two outer laser dotshit various targets with scales mounted to the motorcycle, and thecenter laser points to the center of the motorcycle frame to validatethe frame is straight and suspension is aligned. In some embodiments,the laser measuring system 2500 is corded, and in some embodiments, thelaser measuring system 2500 is cordless. For example, the lasermeasuring system 2500 includes a removable battery pack in the lasermounting bar 2514.

FIG. 27 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a laser measuringsystem according to some embodiments. As described herein, the lasermeasuring system 2500 includes a center laser, a first outer laser 2504and a second outer laser 2506 which are positioned appropriately on alaser mounting bar 2514. A lower laser bar 2508 mounts to a motorcycleand couples to the laser mounting bar 2514 using a first vertical laserbar mounting rod 2510 and a second vertical laser bar mounting rod 2512.Any of the mounting implementations described herein are able to be usedto mount the laser measuring system 2500 to the motorcycle. For example,several components of the laser measuring system 2500 are universalwhich couple to motorcycle-specific components.

As mentioned in FIG. 25, the laser measuring system includes a lowertree mount assembly 2580.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the lower tree mount assemblyaccording to some embodiments. The lower tree mount assembly 2580includes a plurality (e.g., 2) of long tubes 2800 for targets tovalidate the bracket/assembly is centered on the frame of themotorcycle. For example, lasers are able to go through the long tubes2800 to a target which is positioned to ensure the lower tree mountassembly 2580 is centered on the frame. The lower tree mount assembly2580 includes a plurality (e.g., 4) of short tubes 2802 for long targetsthat the laser dot shines on/through to diagnose frame damage andvalidate that the frame is bent or not. In some embodiments, the longtubes 2800 and short tubes 2802 are hollow to enable the laser to passthrough to a target.

FIG. 29 illustrates a rear view of the lower tree mount assemblyaccording to some embodiments. The lower tree mount assembly 2580 alsoincludes a first knob 2900 and a second knob 2902 for securing the lowertree mount assembly 2580 to the motorcycle frame. For example, the firstknob 2900 and the second knob 2902 are configured to attach to thebottom of the triple tree of the motorcycle. Although two knobs areshown, a single knob is able to be used, or another securing/adjustingmechanism is able to be used. In some embodiments, the lower tree mountassembly 2580 is magnetic. For example, the lower tree mount assembly2580 includes one or more magnets to affix to the motorcycle frame.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of a universal magnet neckbracket according to some embodiments. The universal magnet neck bracket3000 includes a shaft 3002, a magnet 3004 and a base 3006, where themagnet 3004 fits over the shaft 3002 and sits on the base 3006. Theuniversal magnet neck bracket 3000 is configured to receive a threadedknob (e.g., the first knob 2900 or the second knob 2902) of the lowertree mount assembly 2580 to secure the lower tree mount assembly 2580 tothe universal magnet neck bracket 3000 which are then attached to themotorcycle frame (e.g., using the magnet 3004) to be used with the lasermeasuring system to measure the lower neck of the motorcycle frame.Other configurations of the universal magnet neck bracket 3000 arepossible.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a target mount assemblyaccording to some embodiments. The target mount assembly 2574 includes amagnetic component 3100 and a tube 3102. The magnetic component 3100 isable to include a knob for adjusting the magnetic component 3100. Thetube 3102 is configured to receive a short or a long target which isused to determine alignment/measurements of the motorcycle frame. Thelaser measuring system is able to utilize the target mount assembly 2574as a target to measure and analyze motorcycle components such as theframe.

FIG. 32 illustrates a perspective view of a validation bar according tosome embodiments. The validation bar 2570 is a straight object (e.g.,bar, rectangular box) with one or more elongated holes 3200. Thevalidation bar 2570 is attached to the motorcycle frame using bracketsat the appropriate locations of the motorcycle frame to determine ifthere is a bend or deformation in the motorcycle frame. The one or moreelongated holes 3200 allow for variations in size/length of a motorcycleframe.

FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of a validation bar bracketassembly according to some embodiments. The validation bar bracketassembly 2576 is used to attach the validation bar 2570 using a knob orother device to secure the validation bar 2570 for measuring themotorcycle frame.

FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of a soft tail side mountassembly according to some embodiments. A soft tail side mount assembly2578 is used to attach the validation bar 2570 using a knob or otherdevice to secure the validation bar 2570 for measuring the motorcycleframe. The soft tail side mount assembly 2578 includes a hole 3400 forreceiving the validation bar to mount with knobs on the left and rightside of the motorcycle to ensure the laser measuring system is centeredand straight on the motorcycle for accurate measurement. The soft tailside mount assembly 2578 also includes a second hole 3402 for a spacerfor the left or right side of motorcycle, and the soft tail side mountassembly 2578 bolts to the frame, through rear fender struts on the leftand right sides. Additionally, the soft tail side mount assembly 2578 isreversible to fit the left and right side of the motorcycle.

FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of a target tip according to someembodiments. The target tip 3500 is configured to be placed on amotorcycle to obtain laser accurate measurements. The target tip 3500 isable to be any target tip such as a diatech target glue tip. The targettip 3500 is attached to the motorcycle frame, chassis, suspensionswingarm, or wheels of a motorcycle using hot glue (or another adhesive)to obtain laser accurate measurements to see if the wheels are centeredon the motorcycle and/or to check other elements of the motorcycle.Before or after the target tip 3500 is attached to the motorcycle frame,a target 3502 (e.g., short target (8 inch) or long target (12 inch))attaches to the target tip 3500 by screwing in (or another couplingimplementation). The laser measurement system described herein is ableto be used with the target tip 3500/target 3502 to check the front andrear wheels for center line, camber issues and toe in toe out issues aswell as frame damage on all motorcycle frames. The analysis of themotorcycle components includes visual confirmation of the analysis(e.g., a user is able to see that the frame is aligned or not based onthe laser dot and the target tip 3500). The target tip 3500 is able tobe any shape/configuration, for example, a round shape with across-bottom and an aperture in the top configured for receiving thetarget 3502.

The laser measuring system and the self-centering laser measuringsystems are able to be utilized as stand alone measuring systems, andare able to be used in conjunction with a motorcycle frame repair system(e.g., the rack) for motorcycle frame repair).

FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of a shock target mount accordingto some embodiments. The shock target mount 3600 is used to measure tovalidate a motorcycle swing is properly aligned with the frame of themotorcycle. Laser dots from the laser measuring system as describedherein (or another laser system) point to targets 3606 which areattached to or part of the shock target mount 3600. For example, atarget 3606 slides into a cylindrical tube 3604 of the shock targetmount 3600. The shock target mounts 3600 and the targets 3606 are usedto measure mis-aligned rear suspension and frame damage.

The shock target mount 3600 includes a groove 3602 (or otherimplementation/configuration) to enable the shock target mount 3600 tofit on a shock bolt of the motorcycle. The shock target mount 3600 alsoincludes the cylindrical tube 3604 (or other shape) which receives thetarget 3606. The target 3606 is able to be any shape or type of targetsuch as a reflective target for reflecting the laser back to the lasermeasuring system.

For example, a shock target mount 3600 is positioned on each rear shock(left and right) of the motorcycle, so that the laser measuring systemis able to be implemented to measure the motorcycle frame.

FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of a neck puller according tosome embodiments. The neck puller 3700 is similar to the neck puller1600 of FIG. 16 with some modifications. Specifically, a center neck rod3702 is shorter, and 3708 holes on the plates 3710 are configureddifferently. The center neck rod 3702 includes neck race supports 3706between the plates 3710. Three outer rods 3704 also connect the plates3710. With the modified design, the neck puller 3700 provides access tobetter pulling angles.

FIG. 38 illustrates a perspective view of a rear shock tram gaugeaccording to some embodiments. The rear shock tram gauge is configuredto measure the distance between the upper shock mount and lower shockmount with a slide pointer or bolt cover and a view window. This isuseful for many types of motorcycles such as Harley Davidson becausewhen the rear wheel of the motorcycle is raised off the ground byapproximately an inch and the lower rear shock system bolts are removed,a user is able to access, and if desired, make a vertical motoralignment adjustment with visual confirmation. This ensures that theengine/swing arm is properly aligned for optimal riding performance andsafety.

The rear shock tram gauge 3800 includes a rod 3802, a slider 3804 (e.g.,a Delrin or Acetyl slider) and a shock tram gauge cap 3806. The rod 3802is able to be any type of rod (e.g., an aluminum or steel rod) that is adesired size (e.g., 17.5 inches long) and has scales 3818 that read to16 inches in ⅛ inch scales (or another size) on both sides, visiblethrough a view window 3808 of the slider 3804. The view window 3808 isable to include a pointer to point at the scales 3818. The rod 3802 hasa groove (e.g., 3/16 inch groove) that goes 17 inches (or anotherlength) along the rod 3802 to keep the slider 3804 straight whilesliding. For example, the slider 3804 includes a protrusion which isable to fit within the groove (e.g., track) to ensure the slider 3804slides in a straight line.

The slider 3804 is able to be any slider such as a Delrin or Acetylslider which slides up and down the rod 3802 and has an arm 3810 toattach a pointer or crown nut adapter 3812. The arm 3810 is anattachment for the crown nut adapter 3812 and/or a pointer adapter (oranother adapter). The crown nut adapter 3812 is configured to fit on acrown nut (e.g., on the rear shock) on the motorcycle. The slider 3804also includes a thumb screw 3814 (e.g., nylon thumb screw) to keep theslider 3804 in place for measuring.

The view window 3808 is an opening or window which enables a user toview scales/markings 3818 on the rod 3802 to take measurements. In someembodiments, there are a plurality of view windows (e.g., on opposingsides of the slider 3804) which line up with the scales 3818 on the rod3802. In some embodiments, the view window 3808 includes a pointer toassist in lining up the view window 3808 with the scales on the rod3802.

The shock tram gauge cap 3806 remains stationary and holds the rod 3802in place. The shock tram gauge cap 3806 receives a lower shock systemadapter 3816 which is configured to fit on/in the lower shock system ofthe motorcycle. In some embodiments, the lower shock system adapter 3816and the crown nut adapter 3812 are configured to fit into othercomponents/adapters/mounts which are configured to fit in/on themotorcycle.

The rear shock tram gauge 3800 is utilized by mounting the shock tramgauge cap 3806 to the lower shock mount of the motorcycle using thelower shock mount adapter 3816. The user then slides the slider 3804 toalign the crown nut adapter 3812 with the upper shock mount of themotorcycle. Once aligned, the user is able to read the scales 3818 onthe rod 3802 through the view window 3808 of the slider 3804 to measurethe distance between the upper shock mount and the lower shock mount.

The rear shock tram gauge 3800 is able to be used as part of a system tonot only measure a motorcycle (e.g., the distance between the uppershock mount and the lower shock mount) but also adjust/fix themotorcycle frame. For example, if the rear shock tram gauge 3800measures the motorcycle and determines the distance between the uppershock mount and the lower shock mount is not correct, another devicesuch as the rack 100 is able to be used to adjust (e.g., bend, pull) themotorcycle frame until the rear shock tram gauge 3800 measures thecorrect distance.

In some embodiments, the shape of the rod is round cylindrical oranother shape such as a flat bar, rectangular bar and/or any othershape.

Although a motorcycle frame has been described as being repaired usingthe rack, any device is able to be repaired such as a moped or ascooter.

To utilize the motorcycle frame rack, a motorcycle is positioned on therack in a universal mounting system. The damage to the frame isdetermined using a measuring system. Then, chains coupled to towers arecoupled to the frame which adjust the frame to the frame's originalconfiguration or at least approximately the original configuration bypulling the frame at the appropriate points and angles.

In operation, the motorcycle frame rack reduces the time and cost ofrepairing a motorcycle frame by enabling a frame to be repaired withoutrequiring the motorcycle to be taken apart.

Examples of suitable computing devices to be used with the motorcycleframe rack include a personal computer, a laptop computer, a computerworkstation, a server, a mainframe computer, a handheld computer, apersonal digital assistant, a cellular/mobile telephone, a smartappliance, a gaming console, a digital camera, a digital camcorder, acamera phone, an iPod®/iPhone/iPad or any other suitable computingdevice.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding ofprinciples of construction and operation of the invention. Suchreference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is notintended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art that other variousmodifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustrationwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for measuring a distance between anupper shock mount and a lower shock mount of a motorcycle comprising: a.a rod comprising measurement scales; b. a slider configured to bepositioned on the rod, wherein the slider is used for determiningmeasurement information of the motorcycle; c. a cap positioned on therod, wherein the cap further comprises a lower shock mount adapterconfigured to fit on/in a lower shock system of the motorcycle, whereinthe cap is mounted to the lower shock system of the motorcycle using thelower shock mount adapter and sliding the slider to align a crown nutadapter with an upper shock mount of the motorcycle.
 2. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the scales are on opposite sides of the rod.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the slider comprises one or more apertures forviewing the scales.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the slidercomprises a plurality of apertures, a first aperture on a first side ofthe slider and a second aperture on a second side of the slider, whereinthe first side is opposite the second side.
 5. A method of measuring adistance between an upper shock mount and a lower shock mount of amotorcycle comprising: a. attaching a measuring device to themotorcycle, the measuring device comprising: i. a rod comprisingmeasurement scales; ii. a slider configured to be positioned on the rod;and iii. a cap positioned on the rod, wherein the cap further comprisesa lower shock mount adapter configured to fit on/in a lower shock systemof the motorcycle, wherein attaching the measuring device includes:mounting the cap to the lower shock system of the motorcycle using thelower shock mount adapter and sliding the slider to align a crown nutadapter with an upper shock mount of the motorcycle; and b. moving theslider along the rod to measure the motorcycle.
 6. The method of claim 5wherein attaching the measuring device to the motorcycle includesattaching a lower shock mount adapter to the cap and to the motorcycle,and moving the slider to attach the slider to the motorcycle.
 7. Themethod of claim 5 wherein the slider includes one or more aperturesconfigured for enabling viewing the measurement scales on the rod.
 8. Asystem comprising: a. a measuring device comprising: i. a rod comprisingmeasurement scales; ii. a slider configured to be positioned on the rod,wherein the slider is used for determining measurement information ofthe motorcycle; and iii. a cap positioned on the rod, wherein the capfurther comprises a lower shock mount adapter configured to fit on/in alower shock system of the motorcycle, wherein the cap is mounted to thelower shock system of the motorcycle using the lower shock mount adapterand sliding the slider to align a crown nut adapter with an upper shockmount of the motorcycle; and b. a device configured to adjust a frame ofthe motorcycle based on the measurement information of the motorcycle.9. The system of claim 8 wherein the measurement scales are on oppositesides of the rod.
 10. The system of claim 9 wherein the slider comprisesa plurality of apertures, a first aperture on a first side of the sliderand a second aperture on a second side of the slider, wherein the firstside is opposite the second side.
 11. The system of claim 8 wherein theslider comprises one or more apertures for viewing the measurementscales.